A Stroll with Niccole: February

Take a Stroll with Niccole and feed your outdoor soul. Niccole Radhe is a Tucson resident who has been exploring Arizona for over 10 years, finding the best outdoor recreation and encouraging active and adventurous lifestyles.

THIS MONTH’S HIKE:Cactus Forest Trail at Saguaro National ParkDifficulty rating: Easy to moderateDistance: 6 miles round trip Saguaro National Park on the east side of Tucson is a true Saguaro paradise with plenty of options for the active adventure or novice outdoor explorer for planning some hiking and mountain biking. Cactus Forest Trail is only one of two dirt trails that are open for mountain biking in Saguaro National Park East (the west side is a mountain bikers dream). This trek winds through a Staghorn Cholla forest with a few steep hills and sandy washes. It is a quick and lung-busting mountain bike ride or an easier hike through the gorgeous desert mountain views of the Rincon Mountains. There are some other great hiking trails that branch from Cactus Forest Trail such as Lime Kiln trail. This path boasts a diverse and prolific cacti collection, wildlife at every bend and the historic lime kilns which are very interesting artifacts. Take Old Spanish Trail east and follow the signs for Saguaro National Park. Get outside to Saguaro National Park and take a trek this beautiful winter season!Follow Niccole on Facebook at “Take a Stroll with Niccole” to check out other Arizona outdoor excursions or email Niccole at takeastrollwithniccole@gmail.com.